The first 10 years and counting of Gustavo Dudamel’s leadership of the LA Phil have seen successful tours, a milestone and critically acclaimed Centennial Season, ambitious artistic projects, the growth of the El Sistema-inspired YOLA program to more than 1,200 young musicians, and countless unforgettable evenings on the stage of Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

On January 15, the Board Chairs and leaders of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced an extension for Dudamel’s contract as Music & Artistic Director – his third since starting in 2009/10 – that continues his guidance of the LA Phil through the 2025/26 season. Dudamel reflected on the past and looked to the future with this statement:

“Looking back at the first decade in Los Angeles with my orchestra makes me indescribably happy. I am full of expectation and energy as we open the next chapter of our artistic partnership, and I thank the Board of Directors for its continued trust in my vision for the organization.

“I'm so proud of our legacy in education, especially the establishment and continued growth of YOLA. The shared passion of the entire community to nurture the next generation of music makers is both deeply moving and profoundly important. I also remain committed to connecting our rich civic heritage ever more closely to our programming, community work, and concert performances in our homes, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and now The Ford.

“We have a unique opportunity and responsibility in Los Angeles to unite the soul of the Americas, to build and to strengthen musical and educational bridges with our brothers and sisters here in L.A. and beyond. We have so much work still to do, but I look forward to embracing the challenges ahead and to sharing more beautiful moments together, hand in hand with my extraordinary orchestra and our leadership team.”